Subject
Anglo-Saxons Books
Best books
Gildas
On the Ruin of Britain
"On the Ruin of Britain" by Gildas is a sermon written in Latin in the late fifth or sixth century. This fiery work condemns both secular and religious leaders whom Gildas blames for Britain's dire condition after Roman rule. Written as prophetic polemic rather than straightforward history, it remains one of the only surviving accounts from this shadowy period, penned by someone who lived through the events. The text includes references to the legendary Battle of Mons Badonicus and denounces five kings for their sins before turning its wrath upon the British clergy.
Frederic Seebohm
Tribal Custom in Anglo-Saxon Law Being an Essay Supplemental to (1) 'The English Village Community', (2) 'The Tribal System in Wales'
"Tribal Custom in Anglo-Saxon Law" by Frederic Seebohm is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as an essay supplementing earlier writings on English and Welsh tribal systems, exploring the legal frameworks surrounding Anglo-Saxon society with a focus on tribal customs. The book aims to shed light on aspects of early Anglo-Saxon law and how tribal customs influenced legal practices, particularly the concept of wergeld, or death fines. The opening of the book introduces the author’s objective of approaching Anglo-Saxon laws through the lens of tribal customs, following his previous essays on similar topics. Seebohm emphasizes the importance of understanding the tribal system's customs and their implications in the context of law, society, and economic practices, particularly regarding payments like wergeld. Furthermore, he highlights that each essay can stand alone despite being part of a trilogy, offering a comprehensive exploration of tribal customs across different regions and their continued relevance in understanding early legal systems.
Thomas Miller
History of the Anglo-Saxons, from the Earliest Period to the Norman Conquest Second Edition
"History of the Anglo-Saxons, from the Earliest Period to the Norman Conquest" by Thomas Miller is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work delves into the history of the Anglo-Saxon people, tracing their origins and conflicts from the pre-Roman era through to the Norman Conquest. It aims to document the cultural and political evolution of Britain during a time of significant transformation. The opening of the book sets a reflective tone, lamenting the obscurity surrounding Britain's early history. It highlights the scarce records we possess about the ancient Britons and their customs, depicting them as a rudimentary society struggling against formidable beasts and other tribes. The narrative evokes a sense of mystery regarding the origins of civilization in Britain, pondering the depths of prehistoric life while establishing the ancient Britons' connection to the broader Celtic heritage. Miller also introduces the looming presence of Roman invaders, setting the stage for the dramatic historical conflicts that will shape the future of England.
Grant Allen
Anglo-Saxon Britain
"Anglo-Saxon Britain" by Grant Allen is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the period of early English conquest and focuses on the social aspects of life in Britain during that time, rather than solely political events. The author aims to present a sketch of the Anglo-Saxon influence on the development of modern British life, drawing attention to the cultural and societal elements introduced by the early settlers. At the start of the text, Allen provides an overview of the origins of the Anglo-Saxon people, detailing their ancestral roots in Central Asia. He highlights their transition from a fierce warrior culture to settling in Britain, describing the process of colonization and the new social structures that emerged. The narrative reflects on the interaction between the Anglo-Saxons and the indigenous Celtic populations, emphasizing the complexities of this early period in British history. Furthermore, Allen points out the significance of language and the evolution of community identities that shaped the emerging nation of England.
Recently surfaced classics